Bumper stickers

I wonder when bumper stickers first came on the scene. They're sort of interesting to think about, because I think they represent a sort of passive aggressiveness that is especially prevalent in America. Basically it's the notion "here's what I really think, which I won't say to your face or in a crowd, and to which you don't get a chance to respond". I don't mean to say that they're all bad; anyone who knows me knows that my cars have had more than a few stickers on them. But I do think they represent a real aversion by many to confront others in any meaningful way, even when confrontational dialogue has the potential to be very productive. I think it falls in line with how we Americans will often answer "fine" when asked how we're doing, even if in actuality our day has been a catastrophe. It suits the asker just fine, because he/she doesn't really want to know the truth anyhow. Way too messy! It all represents my desire to stay inside my protective shell, one that exudes happiness, bubbliness, etc., but then there's that nagging desire to express myself, safely, hence the bumper sticker (and the blog!). Now remember "Live simply that others may simply live" (please, no responses to that) ;-)